There has been a host of new openings recently with plenty more on the horizon.

We take a closer look at a handful across the county that have caught our eye.

Cheltenham

The former Victorian Crematorium Chapels in Cheltenham are set to reopen in June following a major investment and repurposing of their use.

The Grade II ornate buildings have been transformed from places of committal and worship into wake function rooms and a coffee shop. 

It means Cheltenham Borough Council’s cemetery, on Bouncers Lane, will be able to provide cremation and funeral services in the two modern chapels, that opened in March 2019, as well as wakes and refreshments in the refurbished Old Chapels nearby.

Proprietor Lajos Mayer said: “The chapels were built in 1864 and have served the community for over 160 years.

“My wife and I are proud to be able to breathe new life into the buildings, bringing the chapels back into daily use. 

“The two chapels will accommodate 140 and 70 guests respectively for wakes and the coffee shop will act as a meeting point and place for hot drinks and snacks throughout the day. 

“The landscape of our cemetery is nothing short of spectacular and the Gothic heritage of the chapels make them the perfect places to celebrate the life of a loved one with compassion and dignity.

“We have had great support form Cheltenham Borough Council in delivering this project that ends a period of hibernation for the buildings and saves them from falling into disrepair. 

“As community assets, they exist for use by the people of the town, so it is just and right the public should have access to them and this project strives to honour and facilitate just that.”

Lajos and his wife Jana have many years of hospitality experience. Lajos was chef at The Royal Oak pub in Prestbury before running The Vine Tree pub in Randwick with Jana for over a decade.

Bandook Kitchen is opening in early June. It will bring an array of casual Indian dishes to Montpellier, taking over the beautiful Regency space that previously housed ASK restaurant.

Owner Moe Rahman, who also runs a sister restaurant in Bath, said: “I had been scouting for a new site and, in particular, in Cheltenham for a while. When this current site came up, I just couldn’t resist the opportunity.

“Cheltenham is such a pretty and distinctive town and our location for the new Bandook is ideally placed in the elevated surroundings of the Montpelier area.”

The main dining area will have 120 covers, with a further 16 covers in a private dining room.

Taking inspiration from the streets of Delhi and Mumabi, notable dishes will include Chettinad pulled duck taco dosa and small plates of Punjabi lamb chops, tofu chilli bites, squid Koliwada and Kerala chicken.

Flight Club, at The Brewery Quarter, has transformed its outdoor terrace into a colourful garden oasis for alfresco catch-ups over cocktails.

Bursting with bright blooms, the refreshed space has new QR codes on tables so diners and drinkers can order directly to their tables from the great outdoors.

Its summer makeover comes with a fresh food and drinks menu, too. There’s a new bargain tacos and fries lunch offer and a Margherita sharing pizza and two spicy Margarita cocktails summer deal. New seasonal cocktail mixes include Hot Peach and Hibiscus Kiss.

Papyro Studio opened in Bath Road in May, bringing with it a carefully curated retail space run by landscape artist Jo Hatton.

It showcases a selection of lifestyle goods, stationery, prints and art from local artists.

The studio focuses on creativity, craftsmanship and slow-living, with the shop bringing together independent brands and makers who share a love for quality and intentional design.

Jo said: “I am so excited to see Papryo Studio evolve from the small retail space at The Studios in Royal Well Place to its new home on Bath Road – it has been a wonderful journey so far.”

Cotswolds

LARDON at Elkstone Studios, between Cirencester and Cheltenham, is expected to open in June.

The new European-inspired small plates restaurant will focus on ingredient-led, wood-fired food.

The kitchen will be overseen by head chef Mikey Bain, bringing experience from Calcot Manor and Whatley Manor, while Josh Newman, formerly of No. 38 The Park, will take care of front of house.

The restaurant is founded by the team behind KNEAD Bakery and Jesse Smith Butchers; John and David Hawes and Kris Biggs.

GROVE England opened in May, in Stow-on-the-Wold, bringing British fine fragrances to the Cotswolds.

Founded by award-winning designer, Laura Butler-Madden, the perfumes are inspired by the seasons at her Cotswold home, Grove Farm.

Each collection pays homage to a floral muse of the season. The first collection, Anemone, was launched in Autumn 2024 and Snowdrop followed in February this year.

Positioned on the town’s famous market square, natural ingredients are chosen to elevate emotions.

Laura said: “Opening our flagship store in Stow-on-the-Wold marks a significant moment for GROVE England, particularly as the Cotswolds has always been at the heart of the brand’s inspiration and identity.

“We wanted to create a space that feels immersive, calm and deeply connected to the values of the brand; bringing together fragrance, craftsmanship and considered design in a way that allows customers to truly step into the world of GROVE England.

“Stow is the perfect home for us – it’s becoming such a creative hub in the Cotswolds and we are joining some other wonderful British brands, including Penelope Chilvers, Fairfax & Favour and Herd, which have all recently opened stores in the town.”

Gloucester

Opening in late June, Forum Coffee coffee shop sits next to community workspace Patch and opposite newly-opened Hotel Indigo.

Taking over a huge ground floor expanse at The Forum, it will serve brews from popular roastery Ethical Addictions from Staverton, promising brilliant brews for coffee lovers who adore beans that support the communities they’re grown in.

Coro Lounge opened in Kings Square, in May, joining 269 Lounges nationwide.

The former Chambers pub has been transformed into a cosy space with vibrant wallpapers, murals, colourful tiling, wooden floors, vintage sofas and upholstered lounge chairs. 

The name ‘Coro’ – meaning ‘choir’ – is a nod to Gloucester Cathedral and the city’s choral heritage. An all-day menu is served from breakfast through to late evening.

Dishes include brunch, tapas, toasties and salads as well as burgers, tacos, noodles and fried chicken. There are dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus, too.

General Manager of Coro Lounge, Kira Borlase, said: “We can’t wait for everyone to make Coro Lounge their new go-to spot for great food, relaxed drinks and good times.”

MUSE Brasserie at Gloucester Quays also opened in May.

The popular brasserie, which has sites in Cheltenham and Bristol, is now serving brunch and bottomless brunch. There are Sunday roasts on the menu, as well.

The bright and airy new space is a brilliant backdrop for signature cocktails and a glass of wine.

Tewkesbury

Bramble and Bloom florist is bringing fantastic florals to Tewkesbury in late June.

It's being brought to life by Sian Mortiss, who recently turned 25-years-old. She says opening her own shop is a dream come true.

Bramble and Bloom will sit next to the town’s Tourist Information Centre on the High Street.

Taking over a former bank and fast food outlet, Sian is working to create a welcoming space that will host workshops as well as stocking seasonal bouquets.

Sian said: “I’m really happy to bring another independent to Tewkesbury and to give the community something new and individual.

“The overall feel of the shop will be a classic, natural, whimsical style that changes with the seasons and complements the countryside.

“I also plan to stock a range of plants for homes and outdoors as well as retail products such as pots, cards, gardening accessories and more.

“We are also working with the amazing Marlston Farmgirl to stock a range of her seeds.

“Lots of our products are small batch and come from local businesses. I have chosen ones that complement our florals.

“On the floristry side of things, we will have flowers and foliage all year round that’s grown by myself and sourced from external suppliers, to give our customers a great range.”

The store will open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Stroud

A new foodie pop-up has arrived in Nailsworth.

'Downstairs' at Wilder, in Market Street, is now serving four seasonal tasting boards featuring meat, fish, vegan treats and cheese along with a glass of wine, cocktail or soft drink.

If you’ve got a new opening in Gloucestershire you’d like to shout about, drop me a line at editor@thelocalanswer.co.uk